Is it illegal to kill grackles in Texas?

Answer 1

Generally, it is legal and ok to kill them in Texas if they're causing a nuisance or health hazard. While they are not exotic and are still technically protected from sport or fun shooting, many would consider them constantly a nuisance, and in that case, they may be controlled by killing, as approved by both state and federal law. This is summarized from state law on the TPWD website:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/rehab/protected/

Wild Birds: All wild birds that migrate through or are indigenous to Texas, along with their plumage or other parts, eggs, nests and young are protected from harming, killing and/or possession by state and federal law except that European starlings, English sparrows, and feral pigeons may be killed at any time and their nests and eggs may be destroyed. A permit is not required to control grackles; cowbirds; yellow-headed, red-winged, rusty or Brewer's Blackbirds; crows or magpies when these birds are considered a nuisance or causing a public health hazard. No birds may be controlled by any means considered illegal by local city or county ordinance.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/regulations/fish_hunt/hunt/nongame/

• Unprotected Birds:
  • The only birds not protected by any state or federal law are European starlings, English sparrows, feral rock doves (common pigeon, Columba livia) and Eurasian collared-doves; these species may be killed at any time, their nests or eggs destroyed, and their feathers may be possessed.
  • Yellow-headed, red-winged, rusty, or Brewer's blackbirds and all grackles, cowbirds (does not include cattle egret), crows, or magpies may be controlled without a federal or state depredation permit when found committing or about to commit depredations on ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, livestock, or wildlife, or when concentrated in numbers and in a manner that constitutes a health hazard or other nuisance.